Heather Whiston went to The Everyman Cinema to see The Forest, part of Leeds International Film Festival …
On the 19th of November, I went to the Everyman Cinema in Leeds’ Trinity Shopping Centre, watched a film, and came out of the cinema inspired.
The film was Óscar Aibar’s beautiful creation called The Forest.
Now in all honesty, I am not a fan of sci-fi films. There’s something about seeing an alien made from computer graphics that really makes a film cheesy for me, (excuse the poorly descriptive word). So when reading the description of The Forest, I was rather sceptical. However, when I watched the trailer I was intrigued, and decided to give the film a go.
Now, I am really glad I went.
The film managed to capture the mystery of another world, the hardships Dora has to go through alone in a Spanish civil war setting, and Ramon’s urge to leave his troubled world behind, including his wife and baby daughter.
Straight from scene one, I scribbled down on my neon yellow notepad ‘LIGHTING’ and ‘COLOUR’. The film was absolutely pouring with vibrant and defined cinematography that I dearly wished that somehow I could have been a part of.
Not only that, but the narrative was fantastic. The way in which the story is mysterious and exciting from the first few scenes is brilliant. I absolutely loved the way in which one of the beginning scenes of the kitchen is lit in a soft and atmospheric way and yet with superb clarity, an image that I feel not enough filmmakers strive for.
I may be pointing out the obvious, but the director has successfully given the film a real Spanish feel that cinematically is beautiful. A film, in which any scene despite the content is lit, coloured and framed superbly, such as this one, always gets my vote – in this case five stars.
I also loved how the director was quite creative in his shots, including the scene where you see Dora in the frame, and Ramon’s reflection in a mirror. The extreme wide shots, especially the beginning one where the night scene quickly cuts to daylight of the exact same framing was brilliant.
I was very favourable of the edits too. None of the scenes were prolonged and boring. Each one was very reflective of Dora’s emotions; which brings me to another point. This film could have easily been an adventure film from Ramon’s point of view, but was actually told through his wife’s, which I really enjoyed.
Overall, I loved the film and not only that, the experience at the Everyman Cinema. For anyone who hasn’t been yet, I very much recommend that you do. Mini sofas, a small table and an optional balcony? Don’t mind if I do!